Covid19: Dexamethasone Shows Breakthrough Results, Runs Short In Pakistani Markets

Scientists around the world have been working day and night to find a cure for the deadly coronavirus. And now, a drug called Dexamethasone has shown breakthrough results for critically ill COVID19 patients.

World Health Organization (WHO) has called for an increase in the production of Dexamethasone that has proven to reduce the mortality rate.

Dexamethasone is a cheap steroid that has reduced the deaths of critically ill patients by improving their conditions.

The research conducted by the Oxford University tested the drug on about 2000 patients. According to the findings of the study, the drug reduced the death rate by 35% among the acutely affected patients.

As soon as the findings of the report were made public, the demand for Dexamethasone surged globally. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also said that he was confident that the medicine’s production could be ramped-up.

Also Read: Coronavirus Vaccines: Race To Find COVID19 Cure Continues

Dexamethasone in Pakistan

As per reports, the breakthrough drug that was cheap and widely available is now running short in Pakistan. The availability issues surfaced right after WHO announced Dexamethasone as the “first life-saving drug for critically ill COVID19 patients.”

However, in the wake of this situation the federal and provincial governments have directed the drug inspectors to ensure its availability at the rates approved by the regulatory authorities.

According to a notification issued by the District Health Officer of Islamabad, Dr. Zaeem Zia:

All the pharmacies shall ensure the uninterrupted supply and availability of the drug at the price fixed by Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP). The drug shall be sold to the customers with valid prescription of Registered Medical Practitioner.

Injection Dexamethasone is available on major pharmacies and can be bought by showing prescription by Registered Medical Practioner. Our drug Inspectors are monitoring the markets for availability on regular basis. #COVID19Pakistan #dexamethasone

— Zaeem Zia MD-MPH (@ZaeemZia) June 23, 2020

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Hamza Shafqaat also said that a criminal case would be registered against anyone found involved in the black marketing of the life-saving drug.

On his part, State Minister for Health Dr. Zafar Mirza has also assured the public that Pakistan had a sufficient stock of the drug at its disposal and provided a helpline number to report issues of availability.

<321> National stock taking of Dexamethasone is completed by DRAP & I am pleased to report that we have enough stocks of the medicine available in Pakistan. It is available on prescription only. Any availability issues can be reported on DRAP hotline 0800-03727.

— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) June 20, 2020